The 2024 Wimbledon women’s draw produced some fascinating matchups. For example, Defending champion Marketa Vondrousova will face Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, while 2022 winner Elena Rybakina is set to play Elena-Gabriela Ruse. Overall, there are five matches that stand out the most from the draw. This article lists those matchups and discusses why they promise to be so entertaining.
The Five Best Women’s First Round Matches At Wimbledon
Victoria Azarenka vs Sloane Stephens
It is rare to get a first round battle between two Grand Slam champions, but that is what we have between two-time Australian Open titlist Azarenka and 2017 US Open champion Stephens. Both also have some pedigree at Wimbledon. Azarenka has been to the semifinal twice, while Stephens was a quarterfinalist at SW19 in 2013.
Azarenka narrowly leads the overall head-to-head 5-4, although this is set to be their first meeting on grass. Stephens often plays patiently from the back of the court and relies heavily on her athleticism. However, she cannot afford to do that on grass against Azarenka. The Belarusian’s flat and consistent shots will dominate if that happens. But if Stephens is aggressive with her forehand especially, this could be a terrific battle.
Katie Boulter vs Tatjana Maria
There is an intriguing clash of styles in this matchup. Both players suit grass for different reasons. Boulter’s powerful serve and flat forehand thrive on the surface. By contrast, Maria’s game is based on slices, drop shots, and craftiness, which also works better on grass than any other surface. Despite Maria being a semifinalist in London in 2022, the pressure will be on Boulter. The recent Nottingham Open champion is seen by many as being the Briton with the best chance of going far at her home Grand Slam. Getting past Maria will be a tricky start to those hopes.
Jelena Ostapenko vs Ajla Tomljanovic
2017 French Open champion Ostapenko’s ultra-aggressive style is very dangerous at Wimbledon. The 2018 semifinalist at SW19 is capable of taking the racket out of her opponent’s hands if she finds her range. Yet, Ostapenko’s hopes of winning a second Grand Slam title will be thoroughly tested by Tomljanovic. The Australian is a two-time quarterfinalist in London, she recently reached the final in Birmingham and plays her best tennis on grass. Tomljanovic does not possess Ostapenko’s power, but she is adept at using her opponent’s power, which is a key part of beating the Latvian. This could be one of the tightest first round battles.
Naomi Osaka vs Diane Parry
Grass is certainly not four-time Grand Slam winner Osaka’s favourite surface. However, she showed some positive signs leading up to Wimbledon with a narrow loss in the quarterfinal in ‘S-Hertogenbosch and a similarly close defeat to Zheng Qinwen in Berlin. Osaka will need any momentum she has built against Parry. The recent Nottingham Open semifinalist is one of the most watchable players in women’s tennis, and her strong serve, slice backhand and capable net skills make her game a great fit for grass. Serving well will be key for Osaka in this first round match, since returning is the weakest area in Parry’s game.
Iga Swiatek vs Sofia Kenin
2020 Australian Open champion Kenin proved how capable she is at Wimbledon last year with her stunning upset victory against Coco Gauff. She also pushed Swiatek hard in the first set when the pair met at the Australian Open at the start of the year. Therefore, the world No. 1 will know there is no room for complacency. This is especially true since Swiatek elected not to play any of the events on grass leading into the third Grand Slam of the year. Although the Pole is still undoubtedly the favourite, Kenin is capable of making this a tough match if Swiatek is rusty.
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
